(CNN) - It used to be that a presidential candidate announced his running mate at a carefully staged rally in a crucial swing state designed to boost buzz for the ticket and maximize media coverage.

But in a presidential cycle where so many of the conventional rules no longer appear applicable, Barack Obama's campaign said Sunday the Democratic VP choice will be revealed via e-mail and text messages to supporters.

"Barack Obama is about to make one of the most important decisions of this campaign - choosing a running mate," Obama campaign manager David Plouffe wrote in an e-mail to supporters Sunday night. "You have helped build this movement from the bottom up, and Barack wants you to be the first to know his choice."

Plouffe's e-mail is sure to raise speculation a running mate announcement could be imminent, even as Obama vacations in Hawaii and the Olympic Games reach full swing in Beijing. Most political observers had expected Illinois senator to announce his VP choice after the Olympics, ended in the small window before the Democratic convention.

soundoff(211 Responses)

James Johnson

Wow ! How very professional and Presidential !
He's too young and inexperienced.
James J
Milwaukee Wi

August 11, 2008 09:54 am at 9:54 am |

proud army and navy mom

Notmcsame:
you are absolutely correct. I have seen that same report.
Bill and Mark Penn wanted to try to paing Sen Obama as un-american, but old girl's team vetoed the idea. The republicans have gotten the report, probably from Bill and are running with it. What makes this so funny is that they think anybody with a brain will believe it.

To the dead-enders(hillary's puma=republicans) you all are morons. You will probably believe anything negative. So now John Edwards in the reason why old girl lost.

The fact the Hillary is a low-down lying loser didn't have anything to do with this, right.

August 11, 2008 09:54 am at 9:54 am |

GARY

IF ITIS NOT HILLIARY HE COULD WRITE HIS VP CHOICE ON THE MOON AND HE WOULD STILL LOSE I AGREE WITHTHE ABOVE THE CLINTONS HAVE SOMETHING UP THEIR SLEEVE

August 11, 2008 09:54 am at 9:54 am |

JB illinois

Olga , This is how you spell stupid, stupid! I guess this is an ok idea but it seems like it will be leaving a lot of older people out and Im not sure if they will appreciate being thrown under the bus. Some will see this as arrogance again.

August 11, 2008 09:54 am at 9:54 am |

Informed Voter

Mc Cain will announce is via "Telegram"

August 11, 2008 09:55 am at 9:55 am |

Typical White Person

Wow, that will sure help him connect with rural Americans...

August 11, 2008 09:55 am at 9:55 am |

Kevin

BIg Deal ! So he is going to send out an e-mail. What's all the hype about? Both of these campaigns send out frequent e-mails. This is nothing great.

August 11, 2008 09:55 am at 9:55 am |

Peter

so will cnn tell McCain who obama's running mate is?

August 11, 2008 09:55 am at 9:55 am |

John from New York

It's about time someone announced their choice for VP. Why are these two candidates tippy-toeing around each other?

Come out and fight!

August 11, 2008 09:56 am at 9:56 am |

Ozzie

I'm reading this for the fun of these whacko comments today. Like "hello" - the media gave Obama the presidency by keeping Edwards in the race and he better make Hillary V.P. or he'll lose???

What are you smoking?

August 11, 2008 09:56 am at 9:56 am |

Serge Crespy

(WITHOUT PREJUDICE)

BARACK OBAMA AN AMERICAN PRODUCT?

According to the Federal Trade Commission, a "MADE IN U.S.A." product specifies that "All, or, Virtually All" the product has been made in the U.S.A. That is, all significant parts, processing and labour that go into the product must be of U.S. origin. Products should not contain any, or only negligible, foreign content. Does having a U.S. mother and a non-U.S. citizen father not render Senator Obama a fifty-percent natural born U.S. product?

Serge Crespy,
Collingwood, Ontario

August 11, 2008 09:56 am at 9:56 am |

The Shepherd

I wonder if Obama is going to pick Jeremiah Wright, his 20 year friend and mentor.

August 11, 2008 09:57 am at 9:57 am |

Nick

If these comments, dripping age and gender discrimination, from Obama supporters are any indication of the candidate himself then the U.S. is in serious trouble should Obama be elected. Discrimination, race, age or gender, has no place in any election yet the Obama campaign supports and promotes all three.

August 11, 2008 09:57 am at 9:57 am |

NEVER OBAMA

I think people really need to look into obama's campaign committee and find out who's pulling his strings (besides moveon.org) and where the money is really coming from. This country is being set up big time. obama is very dangerous. I don't trust him at all.

August 11, 2008 09:57 am at 9:57 am |

LynnB

What a screwball – that is probably how he will lead – by text message standing in a big stadium – get real people – this is what we have to look forward to – games – only they get bigger!!!!

August 11, 2008 09:57 am at 9:57 am |

Dave

Sign of the times. Obama thinks the delivery of the news will shroud his most likely poor choice. And you want to vote for this fool?

August 11, 2008 09:57 am at 9:57 am |

Al, NY NY

Will JM use the Google? Wonder what his computer logon/PW is.....formermaverick/iluvbotoxcindy?

August 11, 2008 09:58 am at 9:58 am |

Justice 4 All

Loving it. This is just great. Obama is the man of the times. No matter how much they attack him, or tell untruths, it is great to seem him keep his cool. I have learned so much from watching Obama, that positive changes have already occurred. Thanks Obama

OBAMA O8 and beyond

August 11, 2008 09:58 am at 9:58 am |

A real journalist

The comma in the last sentence is misplaced.

August 11, 2008 09:58 am at 9:58 am |

Achtung!!

All liberal blabber mouths to your starting blocks!!! This special olympic event is about to start!!! CAUTION: Be careful that you don't trip over your lower lips when BO fires the shot, you anti-Hill maggots!!!

August 11, 2008 09:59 am at 9:59 am |

WI

It's all George Bush's fault, that osama is using text messaging.

August 11, 2008 09:59 am at 9:59 am |

NEVER OBAMA

Middle America, do you really want this fool running this country and having control over your money? I think not.

August 11, 2008 09:59 am at 9:59 am |

Tom

"You have helped build this movement from the bottom up, and Barack wants you to be the first to know his choice."

Yeah, the bowel movement.

Whoop-ti-do!

Just more hype.

August 11, 2008 09:59 am at 9:59 am |

Obamacan

Hey McBush - Would you please let your campaign knows when you get the email from Obama?

Opss....sorry, I forgot you don't know how to use a computer.

Republican for Obama 08.

August 11, 2008 10:00 am at 10:00 am |

INDEPENDENT NYC

I will like having a President that is current with electronic trends and understands that the world information forum has changed. He and his staff obviously understand this evolution. McCain's has never sent an email once in his very long life; if he doesn't understand the emergence of a new electronic communication age how does he intend to respond to a blackberry emergency????